DHYG 116: Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene Lab

Credits 3

This course provides the opportunity for application of the information presented concurrently in DHYG 115. Students practice infection control, patient assessment, including taking vital signs, health history review, extra-oral and intra-oral examination, hard tissue evaluation, periodontal charting, instrument sharpening and instrumentation using manikins and student partners. Students are trained in Basic Life Support Systems (BLS). This class may include students from multiple sections.

Prerequisites

Concurrent enrollment in DHYG 115

Exhibit professionalism through personal appearance, attitude, and conduct appropriate for the humanistic learning environment and delivery of ethical dental hygiene care.
Display novice professional and culturally sensitive communication skills.
Explain the rationale, and demonstrate the use of infection control, sterilization, and exposure control procedures.
Demonstrate the collection and documentation of accurate, comprehensive medical/dental histories related to oral/systemic disease and patient well-being.
Explain and present to clinical faculty, using professional terminology, a summary of medical/dental history and physical status.
Demonstrate proper clinic equipment maintenance.
Display proper ergonomic positioning of patient and operator.
Practice and examine normal vital signs:  Temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration, and explain the ramification(s) regarding deviations from normal.
Demonstrate and evaluate a systematic extraoral and intraoral examination of the hard and soft tissues.
Demonstrate accurate hard tissue charting and record maintenance.
Demonstrate basic understanding of periodontal, dental charting, and electronic record maintenance.
Demonstrate correct utilization of instrumentation techniques as a novice clinician.
Demonstrate and utilize correct sharpening techniques for universal curettes.
Complete Basic Life Support (CPR) certification and explain its importance as a requirement for the entire dental team.